Saturday Feb 07, 2026
Saturday Feb 07, 2026
Saturday, 7 February 2026 02:01 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Environment Minister Dr. Dammika Patabendi
Serious concerns over environmental compliance, land ownership, and public safety linked to the proposed Ambuluwawa cable car project have come under renewed scrutiny following a joint inspection and discussion led by Environment Minister Dr. Dammika Patabendi on Wednesday (4).
The inspection was conducted in response to complaints lodged by environmental organisations and members of the Gampola Pradeshiya Sabha, particularly in the aftermath of environmental damage reported following Cyclone Ditwah. Construction of the project has already been temporarily suspended due to these concerns, and a final decision on whether work will resume has yet to be made.
During the inspection and subsequent discussions at the Gampola Udapalatha Divisional Secretariat, it was revealed that several provisions of the National Environmental Act may have been violated during the approval process of the project under previous administrations.
Officials confirmed that mandatory public notifications, including newspaper advertisements and Gazette publications required upon granting environmental clearance, had not been carried out. It was further disclosed that opportunities for public comments had allegedly been blocked.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Patabendi pointed out that the Government does not intend to arbitrarily halt investments but will not compromise on public safety, environmental protection, or legal compliance.
He stated that all allegations and technical concerns would be investigated thoroughly, and that further action regarding the Ambuluwawa cable car project would be determined based on the recommendations of an expert committee.
The Department of Wildlife Conservation informed the Minister that unauthorised construction activities had taken place on lands belonging to the Department. Officials further revealed that although the Divisional Secretariat had issued survey orders for several years to survey Wildlife Department lands in the area, the Survey Department had not acted on those requests.
Young Journalists’ Association Chairman Tharindu Jayawardhana stated that a complaint has been filed with the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC), alleging that the Central Environmental Authority (CEA) failed to follow due process in order to dishonestly support the project, thereby causing undue loss to the State.
He also pointed out that only a preliminary environmental study had been obtained for the project instead of a full environmental impact assessment, despite the ecological sensitivity of the area.
Environmental activist Melani Gunathilaka, citing research findings, highlighted the ecological importance of the Ambuluwawa Biodiversity Complex, noting that 428 plant and animal species have been recorded in the area. Of these, 69 species are endemic to Sri Lanka, while 58 are nationally threatened and three are classified as critically endangered.
